MLB betting preview (April 15): Braves vs. Blue Jays predictions

Atlanta Braves shortstop Nick Allen (2) steals second base ahead of the tag from Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Apr 15, 2025, 12:10 EDTUpdated: Apr 15, 2025, 12:13 EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to avoid their fourth loss in the last five games when they host the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre on Tuesday.

Atlanta cruised to an 8-4 victory in the series opener Monday thanks to a pair of home runs from third baseman Austin Riley, who drove in five runs in the contest. Grant Holmes also turned in an excellent start on the mound, holding Toronto to three runs over 7 2/3 innings.

Let’s dive into the game odds for Tuesday’s clash between the Braves and Blue Jays courtesy of bet365.

Braves vs. Blue Jays odds

Braves moneyline odds	-120
Blue Jays moneyline odds	+100
Runline odds	Braves -1.5 (+135), Blue Jays +1.5 (-160)
Total	Over 7.5 runs (-120), Under 7.5 (+100)
Date/Time	April 15, 7:07 p.m. ET

About the Braves (5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS, 7-7-2 o/u)

The Braves used three long balls to propel their way to victory on Monday despite only collecting six hits as a team. Scoring runs has been an issue for the Braves this season, as they’ve averaged just 3.6 per game (24th in the majors) and 7.4 hits (18th) to this point. As a team, the Braves are slashing .225/.306/.372, which ranks in the lower half of the league, and they aren’t getting a ton of production from their depleted outfield that is missing superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. due to injury and Jurickson Profar due to suspension.

Historically, Atlanta has relied heavily on pitching for success, but Braves pitchers have a combined 4.39 ERA through 16 games, which ranks 22nd in the majors. Opposing batters are hitting a lofty .254 off Braves pitchers, with only six other teams allowing higher batting averages. Atlanta’s relievers have also been below average, posting a 4.50 ERA while converting just two of their five save opportunities. They’ve coughed up nine home runs across 54 total innings, which also ranks this reliever group as one of the worst in the league in that statistical category.

About the Blue Jays (9-8 SU, 13-4 ATS, 6-11 o/u)

Monday was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. day as the team held a press conference for the home media to announce the massive 14-year extension signed by the slugger. Vladdy was all smiles prior to the game, but those smiles quickly turned to frowns after he went 0-for-4 later in the evening. He’s still homerless through 17 games after belting 30 long balls last year, but his advanced metrics for bat speed, hard-hit rate, and barrel percentage are still all well above average, so it’s likely only a matter of time until he breaks out from a power perspective. Guerrero Jr. also stumbled in April last year, hitting just .219 with two homers before exploding through the summer months.

Probable starting pitchers

Atlanta: RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (1-0, 0.45 ERA, 8.55 K/9)

Schwellenbach appears to be the real deal, as the Braves right-hander is picking up right where he left off during his rookie season in 2024. The 24-year-old hurler has allowed just one run across three starts to open the season while averaging nearly a strikeout per inning. Two of those outings came against premium opponents in the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres, which makes his start to the campaign even more impressive. Eleven of his 18 strikeouts have come via his slider, which opponents are hitting just .040 against this season.

Toronto: RHP Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.33 ERA, 6.52 K/9)

Gausman is coming off a dominant outing versus the Boston Red Sox in which he struck out 10 batters over eight innings without surrendering an earned run. His other two outings this season against the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets were also solid, suggesting the veteran righty is back on track after a dip in performance last season. Gausman, who pitched for the Braves in 2018 and 2019, boasts a 2.29 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in three career appearances against Atlanta.

Notable injuries

In addition to the injuries to pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) and Acuna Jr. (knee), the Braves will also be without pitchers Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) and Joe Jimenez (knee). Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (hip) will also miss the remaining two games of this series.

As for the Blue Jays, outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) and pitchers Ryan Burr (shoulder), Erik Swanson (forearm), and Max Scherzer (thumb) are all on the injured list. Outfielder George Springer is also dealing with a wrist injury and is considered day-to-day.

Weather

Cold temperatures will keep the retractable dome at Rogers Centre closed for this game.

Braves vs. Blue Jays betting trends

Atlanta is 2-9 on the road this season.
The under is 11-3 in Toronto’s last 14 games.
Both teams have played over the total in their last three games.

Braves vs. Blue Jays player prop trends

Schwellenbach has cleared his strikeouts line of 4.5 in two of his three starts this year and 15 of his 21 (71%) last season. He’s around -120 to beat that mark on Tuesday. The righty has also cleared his outs recorded line of 17.5 in seven straight games dating back to last season and is -190 to do so again.
Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies will carry a seven-game hitting streak into action, posting a pair of multi-hit games during that span. His infield mate, Riley, has also hit safely in seven straight contests. Albies has around -210 odds to extend his streak, while Riley is around -250 to record a hit.
Anthony Santander has shaken off a slow start to record a hit in five straight games. He’s around -190 to make it six straight games.
Braves shortstop Nick Allen has stolen a base in back-to-back games and is +450 to make it three games in a row. Gausman is also one of the worst pitchers in baseball at holding runners on.

Braves vs. Blue Jays predictions

The first five innings total under four runs: -105 (best odds @ Sports Interaction). Last night’s 8-4 result was a little deceiving, as the teams combined for just 11 hits, and we would’ve cashed our first five innings under five runs bet had the Braves not erupted in the fifth inning for four runs. We’ve got a stellar starting pitching matchup on Tuesday, and we should see a low-scoring affair, at least until these two right-handers, who are both in fine form right now, depart the game. Ozuna is out for the Braves from a power perspective, and Springer could also be out of the lineup again due to his wrist injury.